An northwest Indiana man killed his wife and her three children — all under 8 years old — before turning his gun on himself in a murder suicide.
A family of five was tragically found dead from gunshot wounds after Lake Station police conducted a welfare check on Friday afternoon, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times.
The deaths of Briana Payne 27; Aurorah Payne, 7; Ava Payne, 6; and Alayna Payne, 4; were ruled homicides by the Lake County Coroner’s Office.
Robert Payne, 31, also died of gunshot wounds, and his death was ruled a suicide.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office expressed their condolences stating, “Our hearts go out to the family of this extremely unfortunate and devastating tragedy. Please hold your families and loved ones close as we mourn together as a community the loss of innocence,” as quoted by WLS.
Family friend Britni Meentemeyer told the station the murder-suicide was shocking.
Describing one of the victims, Meentemeyer shared, “Bri was a cheerful soul. She always had a way of bringing joy even during sad times. She would do something crazy to make you laugh and then discuss it with you later.”
Neighbor Sandy Goodman said the family was “very nice” but that she heard people arguing at the home on Wednesday.
“I think that people would remember that, and those little girls were just so full of joy and happiness and playing. They were just awesome,” they said.
